From The Hague to Minneapolis: connections and new discoveries.

Facility Management students Felix Wadzah and Eline Rotgans share how they won the 2025 Europe FM Student Challenge. The World Workplace Europe is the event for facility management, offering valuable insights and programs for professionals at every career stage and across all facility types.

'In March 2025, we participated in the IFMA World Workplace Europe FM Student Challenge during the conference in The Hague. As International Facility Management students, we were teamed up with three other students from across the world, forming a diverse group with unique perspectives.

The theme, “Urban FM from a Placemaking Perspective,” explored how facility managers can co-create resilient and inclusive cities. The challenge tested our ability to collaborate, think critically, and communicate effectively under pressure. Working with new teammates was both exciting and demanding, but our shared passion and creativity quickly brought us together.

When our team was announced as the winner of the 2025 World Workplace Europe Student Challenge, the joy and pride were overwhelming. Standing on stage, representing our universities and celebrating what we had achieved together, was a moment we’ll never forget.

Beyond the competition, the conference offered valuable insights and new connections. Meeting professionals and students from across Europe showed us how Facility Management brings people together across cultures and disciplines. Winning in The Hague came with an amazing opportunity: an all-expenses-paid trip to World Workplace 2025 in Minneapolis, USA.

From the moment we arrived, we felt the energy of the global FM community. The conference gathered professionals, educators, and students from around the world — all driven by a shared vision for sustainable and innovative workplaces.

Reuniting with our teammates from The Hague made the experience even more special. Our bond, formed under challenge conditions, grew stronger as we explored new ideas together. We attended inspiring sessions on leadership, workplace design, and sustainability, gaining fresh perspectives on the future of FM.

More than anything, it was the people who made the biggest impact. Conversations with industry experts and fellow students broadened our horizons, reminding us that learning happens as much through connection as through content. And of course, we had plenty of fun — exploring Minneapolis, joining social events, and celebrating with new friends and mentors.

Both The Hague and Minneapolis taught us lessons far beyond the classroom. We learned to work across cultures, lead with empathy, and trust in teamwork. We also realized that Facility Management is ultimately about people — about creating environments that support collaboration, well-being, and community.

To all (International) Facility Management students at Hanze: say yes to opportunities like this. Whether it’s the next IFMA Student Challenge or another international project, these experiences will shape your skills, mindset, and network in many ways.

You’ll gain confidence, meet inspiring people, and see how far your studies can take you — maybe even across the ocean.'